Shell Caprinus XR 40
Shell Caprinus XR 40 is a premium-grade, heavy-duty engine oil developed primarily for railroad diesel engines of North American origin, particularly those manufactured by General Electric and General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD). Formulated using advanced low-chlorine additive technology, it offers both environmental benefits and enhanced operational performance in demanding locomotive service.
A key advantage of Shell Caprinus XR 40 is its zinc-free formulation. It is approved for use in GM-EMD engines fitted with silver piston-pin bearings and in General Electric’s latest locomotive designs. The absence of zinc, combined with trace chlorine content, ensures compatibility with modern engine materials while meeting the requirements of leading railroad operators across North America.
The oil delivers excellent detergency and dispersancy performance, maintaining outstanding engine cleanliness under severe operating conditions. A carefully balanced additive system controls deposit formation and helps keep pistons, rings and internal components clean, even in highly rated railroad service.
Shell Caprinus XR 40 also provides strong oxidation and thermal stability, helping protect against corrosion caused by acidic combustion by-products. Good anti-wear properties ensure that a protective oil film is maintained between pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls, even under high temperatures and pressures. The use of low-chlorine anti-wear additives further protects valve trains and other critical engine components.
High viscosity index base oils provide enhanced protection compared with lubricants based on naphthenic mineral oils. With a kinematic viscosity of 15.1 mm²/s at 100°C and a viscosity index of 98, the oil maintains stable lubrication characteristics across varying operating temperatures. Additional physical characteristics include a flash point of 260°C, pour point of –9°C, Total Base Number (TBN) of 13.0 mg KOH/g and sulphated ash content of 1.5%.
Shell Caprinus XR 40 meets API CF performance requirements and carries approvals and recommendations including LMOA Generation 5, EMD “Worthy of Full Scale Field Test” (WOFT), General Electric Gen 4 Long Life (tentative approval) and Detroit Diesel recommendation for DDC Series 149 engines under severe conditions.
While primarily intended for railroad locomotives, it may also be suitable for certain engines used in power generation, marine and mine-haul applications where zinc-free oils are specified. It is compatible with seals and paints normally specified for mineral oil applications.
